How to Help Someone having a Seizure

Being present when a person has a seizure can be a frightening experience. When a person is having a seizure they require immediate attention and care. Generally, a person having a seizure does not require any complex first aid measures. However, the people around them need to act quickly and sensibly to ensure the person's safety.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The key to helping someone having a seizure is to make certain the person isn't in danger of becoming injured. Take a look at the area around the person having the seizure and make sure there is nothing they could bump into or knock down on them self. Pay special attention to move away furniture or sharp cornered items. You don't need to restrain a person having a seizure, you just need to make sure they are safe. Place a jacket or small pillow under their head to prevent injury and carefully try to roll them on to their side to keep their airway clear.

2. Never put anything in the mouth of a person having a seizure. They will not swallow their own tongue. You don't need to stick a spoon or fingers in their mouth and should never give them water, pills or food during a seizure. Sticking things in a seizing person's mouth can cause further harm and again is completely unnecessary. Additionally, when the seizure stops make sure to check the person's mouth for food, that my become a choking hazard.

3. Try to keep on lookers from crowding around. This will help to prevent injury to the person that is having the seizure and possibly to a well meaning on looker. Having a seizure can also leave an individual feeling embarrassed and vulnerable. Waking up to a crowd of people can increase confusion and embarrassment.

4. Monitor the person closely while they are having the seizure. If the seizure last longer than five minutes call for emergency assistance. If the person wakes up before five minutes keep them comfortable, but have them lay on their side. Often people vomit after having a seizure and keeping them on their side will prevent choking or inhalation of vomit. Stay with the person for at least twenty minutes after the seizure and keep them calm and comfortable. It is not uncommon for a person to be tired, weak or confused after a seizure. If necessary quietly and calmly explain the situation and reassure them they are safe.

[Angel-EMT]

on 8/17/2008 a person seizing may also become incontinent (lose control of their bladder) and they definetly do not want strangers to see that. my sister is epileptic.